What should you know about different types of bronchiolitis?

Bronchiolitis is usually described by its severity and breathing impact rather than by separate named types. It starts with cold-like symptoms, then swelling and mucus in the small airways can cause cough, fast breathing, feeding difficulty or wheezing. Most cases are managed with supportive care, but babies can worsen quickly, especially when they struggle to drink or breathe.

Milder bronchiolitis may cause a runny nose and cough while the child remains comfortable and feeds reasonably. More troublesome illness can bring noisy breathing, chest pulling in between the ribs, tiredness and fewer wet nappies. A child’s age, prematurity, heart or lung conditions and general health affect risk. Wheezing can occur, but it does not by itself show that the illness is asthma.

Offer smaller, more frequent feeds and keep the child upright while awake. Clear nasal mucus gently if it interferes with feeding, avoid cigarette smoke and check breathing and hydration regularly. A Child Health Consultation can assess breathing, feeding and oxygenation. A nebuliser treatment is not automatically needed; a clinician decides whether any inhaled treatment is appropriate.

Get urgent medical help if the child has pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe chest recession, marked exhaustion, or cannot keep fluids down. Seek same-day advice for clearly faster breathing, worsening wheezing, poor feeding or much less urine. Fever in a very young baby also deserves prompt clinical advice. Cough alone is less concerning when breathing and hydration remain comfortable.

Ask how to count breathing, which signs indicate dehydration, how often to offer feeds and where to go if symptoms worsen overnight. Ask whether the child’s age or medical history changes the monitoring plan.